For everyone interested in a modern alternative to bulky DSLR interchangeable lenses, Panasonic LUMIX Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds lenses deliver impressive, no-compromise optical performance. The durable, all-weather LUMIX 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens features the highest standards of detail and sharpness. Built for travel and great photo and video capture, it comes complete with a splash and dustproof sealed body.** And with Dual I.S. (Image Stabilization) compatibility, you'll shoot with unprecedented hand-held stability anywhere you go.**When mounted on a compatible LUMIX G Mirrorless camera

Incorporating an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera's high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max. 240 fps to take maximum advantage of cameras with high-speed AF. This stunning AF performance is able to record 4K video, where precise focusing is required.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for active use, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its shooting performance.

It also features 0.54x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification capability for impressive macro close-up shots. Comprised of 11 elements in 9 groups, the lens system features three aspherical lenses and an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens which effectively suppresses spherical distortion or chromatic aberration to achieve stunning picture quality.

The LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. will be available in May at www.shop.panasonic.com and valued channel partners in metallic black for US$499.99.

Panasonic 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER OIS LUMIX G VARIO User Reviews

Well Constructed for the Price Point
Weather proof
Optically punches far above its weight
Metal Lens Mount
Can be purchased for varying inexpensive amounts on the likes of eBay (i.e. separated from the kit).
Excellent focal range

Considering its price point, none that I can identify.

When you think of kit lenses, you often have images of optics with ranges of 28-82 or 24-70 MM equivalents. And then you know that optically, they will be just good enough - yet lacking in a number of areas. But you put up with them because they either came as part of your camera kit, or you didn't have the money to spend on more expensive lenses.

Now enter the (what I consider to be) the wonderful Panasonic Lumix 12-60 f3.5-5.6 OIS zoom range with a superb 24-120 MM equivalent focal length. When I first saw this lens being introduced, I figured, "finally, a focal length we've been waiting for." I saw the list price ($499 USD) and then waited to see what the reviews would entail. However, even after a year, this lens was somehow overlooked by most reviewers - with just one or two popping up here and there. In averaging the reviews, all indicated it was a nice lens - with the typical kit lens qualities. So I figured, "hmmmmmnnn, should I still wait?"

Well, while perusing the Panny 12-60's on eBay, I had noticed quite a few of them separated from the kit - either by owners or by vendors - and they were priced anywhere from $249 to $349 USD. So I pulled the trigger and obtained one. It was shipped quickly and I received it within 3 days.

Once I began using this zoom lens (I put the initial one on my Olympus E-M5), I was not prepared to like it as much as I did. All of my so-so expectations were completely thrown out the window. Here was a superb performer with excellent optical performance across the frame. Granted, the center of the frame was the sharpest (which lens isn't?}, and even the corners were quite good for the genre beginning at around f4. The contrasts were superb, and most of all, it was an absolute delight to have a 24-120 MM equivalent. Suffice it to say, this is the lens that you can leave on your camera most of the time.

I enjoyed this lens so much, that I wound up purchasing two more of them (again off of eBay) - and I have to report the other two that I acquired are just as good as the initial one I ordered. So now I keep them on the likes of the Olympus E-M5, the Panasonic GH3, and the older (yet awesome) little Panasonic GF1 - and that's where they will stay. Need I say more?

Now reality dictates that you get what you pay for - and obviously, we'd all love to own the near $1000 USD standard zoom lenses that feature either a constant f2.8 or an f2.8 - 4 minimum aperture range. But many of us cannot afford those models and we're looking to get the best bang for the buck. I've always been impressed with most Panasonic standard zoom kit lenses as most of them do quite well for the price range (read the Panny 14-45, 14-42, 12-32, and now the 12-60 here). Now I must add the caveat that reality dictates that copy-to-copy variations do exist with most lens ranges.

So if you're considering this lens, all i can say is that for the genre - in particular, the price point - you should consider the price vs. performance factor. And in this regard, this newer Panny 12-60 f3.5-5.6 OIS punches far above it's weight. For me - considering the prices you can get this lens at (on eBay, that is - not the full retail at various stores), this lens comes highly recommended by me.